New helmet safety rating scheme could save 50 lives a year

pioneering new Government motorcycle helmet safety rating scheme which
could save the lives of 50 riders a year was officially launched today by
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

In a world first, SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme -
will give an independent rating of how much protection a helmet can provide
in an impact. Helmets will be rated from 1 to 5 stars depending how well
they perform in our laboratory tests.

All helmets on sale in the UK must offer the wearer a minimum level
of protection, but tests show there are real differences in safety
performance. SHARP's objective advice, based on rigorous testing, will
help riders choose a safer helmet by measuring the extent to which a helmet
exceeds the minimum standards.

Speaking at the Road Safety Expo 07 in London today, Road Safety Minister
Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"Our research indicates that even though all helmets have to reach a minimum
legal standard, safety performance can vary by as much as 30%. The SHARP
scheme being officially launched today will allow riders to select a safer
helmet on the basis of a simple star rating system.

"This is a vital step forward. Motorcyclists are one of the single most
vulnerable groups on GB roads today. They account for just 1% of all road
traffic, but for 20% of all those killed or seriously injured. We estimate
that if all riders wore helmets that scored well in our rating system,
the SHARP scheme could save up to 50 lives a year."

During his speech, Jim Fitzpatrick also announced the launch of the Driving
Standard Agency's Enhanced Rider Scheme. This is aimed at enhancing the road
safety skills of the motorcycle and scooter riders already on the roads. The
Agency has been working with the motorcycle industry to devise a new training
package for the benefit of all riders with a full motorcycle licence. Those
who pass the Enhanced Rider Scheme will get a certificate that will put them
in line for discounts on their insurance.

The first SHARP results are expected to be available next Spring, with
the majority of helmets on the market tested before the end of 2008. Early
results show that good performance is not restricted to premium price helmets.

For more information about the SHARP programme, visit the SHARP website at
www.direct.gov.uk/sharp, or email SHARP@dft.gsi.gov.uk


1. Motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users. Last year 23,326
motorcyclists were injured in accidents, with 599 being killed.

2. Head injuries occur in 80% of all motorcyclist fatalities and in 70%
of these the head injury is the most serious.

3. Currently no comparative rating system is available on motorcycle helmets
anywhere in the world.

4. Helmets sold in the UK must meet the minimum standards of UN ECE Regulation
22.05 or comply with British Standard 6658:1985. SHARP will assess the
extent to which helmets offer protection above these minimum requirements.

5. Initially, SHARP will concentrate on assessing full-face helmets.
Ultimately, all helmets will be rated by SHARP.

6. SHARP will be promoted in partnership with the THINK! road safety campaign,
which already gives advice to motorcyclists via the THINK! Academy. See
SHARP and THINK! at the NEC, Hall 2 2E50 from today until 2 December.